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disagree, but to recommend to the ministers and people, that, from time to time, they meet in christian friendship, preach, and hear on the points of difference, counting it no offence for each denomination to hold up all the light they have in favour or against, except it be done with an unchristian temper ?

Resolved, That we are willing and anxious for such meetings, and willing to hold ourselves censurable by all, if we, as ministers or people, in any instance, act with an unchristian spirit, or state any thing for gospel doctrine, which we cannot there read, either in precept or example, to those requiring it of us.

After a few affectionate remarks by Messrs. Culver, Lyon, and Tuttle, on the subject of a union, the meeting closed, publick information having been given, that the Baptist Committee appointed to attend that meeting, would stand appointed till Sept. 1825, and that if the Congregational Committee still wished for an opportunity of meeting us, they might fix upon a time and place, previously to Sept. 1825, and give us information of the same, and we would meet them.*

not forbear to mention, is our great liability to mistakes in the history of opinions and controversies. A striking instance of this, we have in the statement (No. 7.) relative to the estimation in which the Baptists were considered to hold the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Were it not for their own statement, some future historian, perhaps, would, with a good conscience, have added to the list of héretics, a cluster of churches in the north-western part of Vermont. Now, if at the present day, and in our own country, it is possible for error on this subject to exist and be circulated, how cautious should we be in regard to unfavourable representations relative to each other, which opposing parties have handed down to us from distant ages and countries!

It occurs to the reflecting reader, that some of the enumerated articles of difference derive their principal importance from the bearing which they either have, or are generally supposed to have, on the two inquiries, (certainly of no trifling moment,) What is baptism? and, Who are the proper subjects? It is but justice, however, to remark, that on those articles there is a diversity of opinion among our Pedobaptist brethren themselves.

The preceding records we insert without note or comment, and leave it for a candid publick to say which denomination refuses In reference to John's baptism, to come to the light lest their er- Dr. Knapp, who has for half a rors be exposed by a thorough in-century held an eminent station. vestigation.

By order of the Association,
A. SABIN, Moderator.

P. CHASE, Clerk.

The foregoing account is of so interesting a nature, that we deem no apology requisite for presenting it entire to our readers. It is an important historical document; and, as such, it ought to be preserved, and very seriously pondered. It conveys many instructive lessons. One, which we can

in the great theological school of the Lutheran church in Europe, has, in his Scripturæ varia argumenta, if our memory serves us, expressed an opinion remarkably coincident with the one commonly entertained by the Baptists.

The assertion which we and our brethren make is, that the ministry of John was the dawn of the gospel dispensation, or, as they have most happily expressed it in the very words of Mark, the beginning of the gospel of

No such meeting was appointed. Ed.

Jesus Christ.' What John taught of this commission, not one, so

and did, so far as it went, was correct and valid, and sanctioned by the Saviour. The light gradually increased, till, after our Lord's resurrection, and the passing away of a dark cloud that had covered the heavens, it shone with meridian splendour upon a fully constituted church.

far as we have any account, was re-baptized. What was the fact in regard to Apollos? This man was instructed in the way of the Lord, and, being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John."

When Priscilla and Aquila met with him, they did not re-baptize him. They only expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.'t

We know of but one case in re

One would think there could be no difference of opinion in regard to so plain a matter. How has it arisen? And how has it come to be regarded as of practical importance? The Baptists, in prov-spect to which there is the least ing that none but such as repent reason to think that any who had ought to be baptized, advert to received John's baptism, were the examples recorded in the New baptized again by the Apostles. Testament, and, among others, to We allude to the case of certain a multitude of very strong cases disciples found at Ephesus, as in the practice of John. And to mentioned in the nineteenth chapshow that baptism is immersion, ter of the Acts. It is well known, they advert to the records which that critical expositors are not state that they who came to John, agreed concerning this passage, 'were baptized of him in Jordan, some being of the opinion that it confessing their sins.' There was was not intended to intimate a no way of avoiding the force of re-baptizing. But if we suppose these arguments, but to maintain it was, we can easily conceive of that John's baptism was not gospel the reason. Paul may have perbaptism. ceived a radical defect in the religious instruction which they had received. They had not, perhaps, been directed to the great object of evangelic faith. It is not said, nor is it at all probable, that they had been baptized by John, but only unto John's baptism;' and they seem to have been ignorant, in a great degree, of what it implied. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Here we would seriously ask, Is it not reasonable to believe, that the Apostles, who had been John's disciples, and who, under the eye of our Lord himself while he was on earth, administered baptism,* did, in performing this, the same act that John had done, and required of their candidates as much as he had required of his? And when our Lord gave his final commission to his Apostles, did he annul what he had sanctioned before his crucifixion? Surely not. He only adapted the form of words to the full display which it was now proper for him to make of his divine character and the system of redemption. Among all his followers who had been baptized either by John or by the Apostles before the giving

*See John iv. 1.2.

We have not room, nor is it necessary to expatiate. All must approve the candid and liberal temper evinced by our brethren in Vermont. We are confident, that the ground which they have taken is the ground on which the disci

See Acts xviii. 25, 26,

ples of Christ will ultimately meet in the unity of the spirit, and in the bond of peace.' In the mean time, let us not for a moment cherish one unhallowed thought of self-complacence. He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.' It is the Lord that has given us, so far as we possess, the understanding of his will, and the disposition to obey his commands. But, alas! how much do we see

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in ourselves and in all around us,
that ought to humble us in the
dust. Let us earnestly seek, as
in the sight of God, to know and
to do our duty in all things, ever
speaking the truth in love,' at-
taching to every subject its due
degree of importance, and in
meekness instructing those that op-
pose themselves."
Souls are per-
ishing in sin; and we are all going
to the judgment seat of Christ.

MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.

DOMESTICK.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE REV.
J. M. PECK, TO THE SECRETARY OF
THE BAPTIST MISS. SOCIETY OF MASS.

St. Louis, Sept. 12, 1825.

I witnessed a very solemn and impressive scene 18 young persons in a meeting under most serious convictions. This was in a settlement under the labours of the Rev. Mr. Spillman, a young Presbyterian Clergyman. In a Baptist Society not far distant several were inquiring the way to Zion. While absent in the Wabash Country, during the months of July and August, in which I rode 950 miles, a powerful excitement was produced in St. Clair County, and on my return I found several of my neighbors, and many more farther distant, had professed religion and united with the Methodist Society. In the northeastern part of Illinois an encouraging revival of religion has prevail

Rev. and Dear Brother, It is several months since my last communication to you, but I have not been idle. Much of my time has been occupied in the agency department of the American Bible Society, the remainder in Sunday school and Missionary matters, during which I have ridden over 18 counties in Missouri, 24 in Illinois, and 9 in Indiana, in which I have formed 18 new Auxiliary or Branch Bible Societies, reorganized 3 that had fallen through, and visited and revived several others that required attention, besides forming a number of Sabbath School Societies, &c. &c.ed, chiefly among the Presbyterians, and There are now 43 Auxiliary and Branch

Bible Societies in successful and increas

ing operation in Missouri and Illinois, and more than one hundred Sabbath Schools in which about 3000 children and youth are learning the word of God," which is able to make them wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." The Sunday School and Bible systems are getting a faster hold on the affections of the publick every week, and I am confident in not misrepresenting facts when I affirm that the bible is read six times more in these States than it was six years since. Revivals of religion prevail to an encouraging extent. In White County, Illinois, towards Shawneetown, in July

while on my route in Indiana, between the forks of White River, I received the animating intelligence from a respectable Baptist preacher that within a year, he had baptized upwards of 100 converts in Davies' and Martin counties, chiefly the fruits of his own labours. Lately in the western part of St. Louis County and the next County adjoining, more than 60 have professed to experience religion at three Camp Meetings, among the Cumberland Presbyterians, and from the north side of Missouri, I learn that three Baptist preachers, a father, son and son-inlaw, have been much engaged in preaching, and have baptized about 100 persons within six months past.

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new Territory to be run over which admits of immediate settlement, and that the western states already formed, must now fill up with inhabitants, the conclusion is reasonable that in 1875-that is half a century hence, and within the reach of many now born, the States of Missouri and Illinois will contain not less than 3,500,000 souls. If Indiana is added, which will then contain two millions, the aggregate is 5,500,000, more than half the amount of the present number of white population in the United States.

But to keep only Missouri and Illinois in mind, it would be obvious to one who contemplates the secret springs and silent movements that give origin to national character and publick manners, that the character of the preaching, the doctrines exhibited, the customs formed, the manners introduced, the Schools, the Sunday Schools, Bible Societies, and every pub

But amidst all these cheering and encouraging prospects, there is much to lament, and much to teach us not to trust in man, or to glory in appearances. In many settlements a spirit of antinomianism holds them fast, and paralizes every active effort for the welfare of souls, under the convenient but deceitful excuse, "the Lord will carry on his own work." "When his time comes the people will be converted ;" and thus they fold their hands and cry, 66 a little more sleep." Others manifest a very bitter and unholy spirit against missions, and against every other publick effort in which money is concerned, hesitating not a moment in charging those engaged in these matters with speculation and venality. Neither of these classes do I spare either in publick addresses, or private remarks. Their selfishness and sinful neglect of duty are laid open before them. While in Indiana, I saw and became lick and private effort whether good or acquainted with the Rev. bad for the first ten years, will give a general character to the population 50 years hence. For four years past from various causes, there has been but little emigration comparatively speaking to this country, and business has been greatly retarded, but now emigration begins to flow into these States, and in about ten years from this, a general character as to religion, morals, and information, will be formed, consequently what is done must be done immediately.

-.

I conversed freely with him as to Mission-
ary labours, and the region around Fort
Wayne. From others I learn that Fort
Wayne is a desirable field of labour,-that
new settlements have been planted the
whole length of the Wabash to its upper
branches-that the citizens about the
site of the old Fort were very desirous
that Mr. should settle with them
-that all the northern part of Indiana, ||
which, when I arrived in the western
country, was an entire wilderness for
more than one hundred miles in extent,
is now rapidly settling, and much of it
quite destitute of the gospel-that here
(and indeed throughout the State) is a
most promising field for Sunday Schools
and Bible efforts,-and that Mr

I remain as ever most sincerely yours, &c.

J. M. PECK.

ANOTHER LETTER FROM MR. PECK.

St. Louis County, Sept. 13, 1825. is desirous of doing what he can in pro- Rev. and Dear Brother, moting these institutions. In our friend- WHILE pursuing the train of thought ly conversations, I felt satisfied he pos- I entered upon in my letter of yesterday, sessed a real Missionary spirit-that he is I beg leave to call your attention to my willing to make earthly sacrifices for the communications from this country for cause, and in short, that he is a man cal-three years past, which, if they do not culated to do good to the souls of men.

By a reference to the ratio of increase in population in the United States, and particularly the western states for 50 years past, and connecting the results with the fact that there is but little more

contain a connected, will, at least, give you an accurate statement of facts as they exist in relation to religion in general, and to the prospects of the Baptist Society in particular. You will perceive, that for two years past, my efforts have been di

measures, turn the influence of all these institutions for the good of immortal souls, at least, so far as God shall open the hearts of the people. My plan now is to have 20 missionaries employed in this field by the last of 1826. I fancy I see you smile at the idea, " 20 missiona

complete visionary." It may be so: but suppose that two years since I had talked about 43 Bible Societies, and 120 Sunday Schools in these States, would you not have drawn the same inference? Recollect the sermon of the excellent Dr. Carey-" Expect great things-Attempt great things." And though our expectations sometimes may be the result of a vain, visionary, and self-sufficient mind, yet, in many instances, they lag behind the movements of Divine Provi

sected in a general way to the interests of religion, and particularly to a complete system of Bible Societies and Sunday School labours, the one, to furnish every family and individual with the word of God, and by producing an influence in each County, to awaken a disposition to read, believe, love, and obey theries," say you! "Why the man is a sacred volume ;-the other, to provide a system of religious, and especially biblical instruction for the children, and thus prepare, as it were, a new race of beings to form the basis of population in the next age. And I doubt not but you will unite with me in thankfulness to the Parent of mercies, that these two grand objects, at least, as to a system of means, are in a fair way to be realized. From the same source you have learned, that some incipient measures have been adopted to bring about a system of itine-dence in the progress of things. rant preaching amongst the Baptist Socie- Should my plans succeed, and other ty. Could I exhibit before you as on a circumstances admit, upon my return map, 28 Counties in Missouri, and 37 in I have some thoughts of fixing myself in Illinois, over which the 160,000 souls of St. Louis, and while I strive by helping the two States are dispersed, and through the others to keep up the itinerant syswhich the 43 Bible Societies and more tem, I will direct my labours more exthan 100 Sabbath Schools are planted, clusively to the interest of the Society in and then give you a just description of that important city, which I have been the great want of ministers, your heart compelled to neglect in part for some would be deeply affected. Of all the time past. There I will labour under the plans that have passed in review before encouraging conviction, that from St. me, none have combined so much sim- Louis in a few years hence, the gospel will plicity, economy, system, and energy, again sound forth, and along what we here and appeared so well adapted to answer call the "western road," now surveying all purposes, as the circuit system in its across the boundless prairies, the missionprominent features. To fill up the Coun- aries will travel to visit and cheer the ties of Missouri and Illinois with such cities of San Miguel, Santa Fee, Chihucircuits, over which an active and zealous ahua, (pronounced She'wawa,) and all preacher of the gospel might ride once the northern provinces of the Mexican each month, would require 20 mission-republick, where I have already sent aries. These would visit all the church-Spanish Testaments as the forerunners of es, form new ones, preach in every prin- a preached gospel. cipal settlement that is not otherwise supplied, keep their eyes upon every Sunday School, and frequently address the children, keep up and enlarge the Bible Rev. Daniel Sharp. Societies, and by prudent and proper

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With continued and lasting respect, I remain yours in gospel bonds,

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTION.

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BAPTIST EDUCATION SO

J. M. PECK.

the Churches the result of their recent deliberations.

While it is intended to continue with CIETY, have the pleasure of presenting to || unabated zeal the aiding of indigent, ap

DECEMBER, 1825.

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